you. But as I look at you I understand better. You have a good heart. I
can see!"

"I am only a strolling stranger--here to-day and there to-morrow,"
protested Farr. "I think the heat must have affected my head. It has
been very warm lately. But when I saw her--" He choked suddenly.

"Oh, it is easy to understand," said the girl, reassuringly. A mist
of tears came across her big eyes, though her mouth did not lose the
wistful smile. "The poor folks help one another--and they understand."

"It wouldn't be right to give her to an orphanage," insisted Farr. "She
has missed too much already. Of course I don't pretend to know what a
little girl needs--but I am willing to be told."

"I will tell you and I will help."

"I think old Etienne and I need you in the partnership--as adviser. I
thank you."

Then came the old Canadian, his wrinkled face tender with solicitous
interest, and he chuckled when he welcomed the new member of the firm.

"Ah, Mam'selle Zelie she shall help us the very much in what we do not
know," he informed the young man, and continued, while the dark eyes
flashed protest: "I am of the Tadousac country, and she is a good girl,
for I have know her all the years since I trot her on my knee when she
much small as the petite Rosemarie. I can tell you how she dance down
the meadows in the ring-a-rosy play and how she--"